Accessories

Back in the day when prime lenses ruled supreme and snooty purists decried zooms for lack of absolute sharpness, Tele-Converters (TCs) were popular accessories. Photographers wanted to bring distant subjects closer, and TCs provided a means to that end. Also known as tele-extenders, these thick slabs of metal and glass increase the focal length of a given lens while also decreasing the f/stop.

While we don’t normally review camera phones and similar devices, when offered a test period with the Nokia N86 and its 8-megapixel capture we wanted to see just how far one could take the image. Because the device captures in JPEG only there is of course a good deal of compression on every file, but still, 8 megapixels in this device reaches into the realm of point-and-shoot digicams from...

Tamrac’s Evolution Series Tamrac’s new Evolution series merges backpack and sling bag in a convertible design that facilitates access when the pack is worn. The bag has a fully customizable, padded lower camera section, plus upper tier for personal items, and will hold a tripod. The Evolution 8 also holds a 15.6” laptop. And for you messenger bag lovers...

Until now I thought I’d experienced practically every flavor of geotagging device on the planet (“Geotagging Devices And Software: Now You’ll Always Know Where You Took That Picture,” Shutterbug, May 2009). So when I was later introduced to Foolography at a trade exposition, I didn’t pay too much attention to their new Unleashed. Until they offered to send a test...

The question always becomes: how much gear can I get away with when I carry my camera and laptop on-board an aircraft? The answer depends upon the carryon rules, the size of the overhead compartment or under-seat space, and, I’m afraid, sometimes on the whims of the gate agent. The best way to make sure there are no hassles and no suspense on your part—flying is stressful...

Photographers are notorious gadget hounds, always seeking some new little item that will help them in their quest to produce even better images. Following are unusual items that should help fill the average photographer’s need of something new and different.

Want to be able to see exactly what your D-SLR’s LCD is seeing, from over 300 feet away? And be able to...

While there are no revolutionary designs in tripods, monopods, and heads this year (unlike the introduction of the Novoflex four-legged tripod last year), manufacturers have not sat idly. They continue to address the needs of studio photographers but appear to be placing even greater emphasis on travel photography.

This year we’re seeing a surprising number of new ringlights plus lots of accessory light modifiers, dedicated cords, flash brackets, and continuous LED lights which are helpful when making videos with multipurpose D-SLR cameras.

Aputure’s Trigmaster makes controlling a studio strobe or Speedlight wirelessly easier at distances of up to 300 feet with 16 different...

It’s a competitive world out there, so studios have to differentiate themselves with unique offerings and setups. Having a special line of albums or frames, or simply some stylish methods for their customers to display their precious photographs can help. A different background or method of more rapidly changing the background to suit the next sitting also helps. Here are some items that...

A good example of how digital picture frames have changed from passive displays with looping slide shows to interactive devices is the “concept” frame system from Casio, dubbed the Digital Art Frame. The frame supports playback of Adobe’s Flash Lite 3.1 content, with future plans for network downloads. Currently you have access to different types of clocks and calendars for...

What’s new and different in gadgets and accessories this year? While digital has overtaken cameras it seems that many of the accessories we saw could be used as much on a film as a digital camera, proving that while there might not be much new under the sun there are certainly variations that bend with the technological tide.

Just when I thought I’d seen it all, along come camera bags that capture my attention. Photo backpacks are sporting new looks that are designed to reduce back strain. Messenger bags are seeing a resurgence, doing double duty as laptop and camera bag, while maintaining their svelte lines. The more conventional shoulder bag, however, is still on the scene for those who prefer tradition while...

The Orbis Ring Flash Crafted from durable ABS plastic, the orbis ring flash is lightweight, portable, and compatible with most flash units. It easily transforms the harsh light of an SLR flash into shadowless light while producing the characteristic ring flash look. When used off-lens and to the side of your camera, the ring flash becomes a softbox or beauty dish. The...